Katalin Karikó

A Hungarian biochemist whose groundbreaking work on mRNA technology paved the way for COVID-19 vaccines.

Katalin Karikó, born in 1955 in Hungary, revolutionized medical science through her persistent research on messenger RNA (mRNA). Despite facing skepticism and funding rejections, she collaborated with Drew Weissman to develop nucleoside modifications that made mRNA therapies viable. Her work laid the foundation for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, saving millions during the pandemic.

Karikó’s journey began in a small Hungarian village. She earned her PhD at the University of Szeged but faced political barriers under Communist rule. After immigrating to the U.S., she struggled to secure grants, yet continued her mRNA research. Her perseverance reshaped biotechnology, proving that mRNA could safely trigger immune responses without severe inflammation.

Today, her innovations extend beyond vaccines, offering hope for cancer treatments and genetic disorders. Karikó’s story exemplifies how unwavering dedication in the face of adversity can redefine global health.